40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Salam Alaikum, December 6, 2006
I've seen reviewers attack Todd Parr's books as having some kind of liberal agenda, brain-washing kids. It's an interesting argument. Imagine what it says about your politics if the idea of encouraging kids to be respectful to each other, if the idea of teaching tolerance, or of teaching curiosity about diversity strikes you as partisan. I want to be fair about this, and I would say that if any of Todd Parr's books can be labeled political, this would be the one. I mean, he does have an angle. He defines peace in multiple ways but it includes such things as learning other languages, listening to different kinds of music, and keeping the environment clean. So, if that strikes you as offensive then that's a legitimate argument to make. But seriously, think about what kind of mentality it would take to find such things distasteful. I guess the brilliant thinkers behind naming a missile the "Peace Missile" might find themselves at odds with Todd Parr's definition of the term. But I have to believe that most parents would be comfortable with their kids getting messages of tolerance and acceptance. Keep the frame of reference in mind too. He's not talking about legislation here, he's just conveying a certain outlook. And he does so with his characteristic gentle warmth and his characteristic limited palate of not-so-gentle colors.
I had the pleasure of meeting Todd Parr. It was at a festival in Copley center for kid's books. Sponsored by Target as it happens, and there was a little kiddie vaudeville show with shills dressed as fairies and witches talking about Target as the promise land. That was creepy. But Todd Parr was there signing books and he was just as cute and laughable as you would imagine. He drew a little doggie face next to his signature and asked the kids if they preferred a boy dog or a girl dog. Also, Norman Bridwell, author of the Clifford series was there with his daughter Emily Elizabeth. Emily is no spring chicken but she does look like her namesake character in the Clifford books. They were both very disarming and gracious as well. As one should be if they are out promoting books for kids.
I'm a Todd Parr fan. I think his books have a superficially childlike, unstudied look but are actually quite artful and sophisticated as well as being surprisingly affecting. The personal message from Todd Parr to the kids at the end of some of his books are genuine and expressive. Thumbs up, five stars.
If I had to pick on his books, I would be more critical of his "Do's and Don't" books, which are more proscriptive. Telling kids not to put fish in their hair is confusing if you've previously condoned that specific form of self-expression in the "It's Okay" book. But this is a frivolous objection. Don't take it seriously. Do buy this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a wonderful book!, December 21, 2004
I found "The Peace Book" one day when I was just looking around the bookstore, not really planning on buying anything. The cover is bright and colorful and since my children and I had read some of Todd Parr's other books I had to pick it up to see what he had written this time. I loved it so much that I bought multiple copies- one for myself, one for a relative and one for my son's Kindergarten teacher. It is a lovely book... Simple, colorful pictures, and simple, but touching and meaningful words. The idea of peace, especially in a time when our country is at war, can be hard to explain to children and I found the things that Mr. Parr writes about to be a beautiful way to express what peace can be. My personal favorite is the page for "Peace is being free", but each line and the pictures that go with them are just wonderful. This is the kind of book that you hope kids can take something from, and I highly recomend it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Peace and Justice Advocates to Grandchildren, November 24, 2004
I stumbled across this book at the library. I checked it out and I am telling my friends about it for their own children and grandchildren. This conveys the variety of different expressions of concerns about peace and justice. The concepts are presented in ways that children can understand: "peace is sharing a meal" "peace is keeping the streets clean." These are the moral values I value. The writing and illustrations are fun.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
